Abstract: An article of apparel is provided and may be formed of a plurality of movable apparel members. The movable apparel members may be connected to each other via a fastener and may be movable or rotatable relative to each other. The movable apparel members may form a web-like structure having a plurality of apertures of varying sizes defined by the movable apparel members. The position of the movable apparel members may be maintained, such as via a friction fit between the movable apparel members and the fastener, until one or more of the movable apparel members are acted on by a force sufficient to overcome the friction fit. The article of apparel may be adjusted to a plurality of different configurations by moving the movable apparel members and may be worn as an exterior garment or may be worn beneath another garment to provide shape, structure, etc. to the other garment.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for companding communication data. Companding is provided for a two-way radio communication station operable pursuant to a coded squelch scheme, such as an MURS or FRS radio. A baseband processor invokes compression operations upon originating communication data that is originated at the communication station. And, the processor invokes operation of expansion operations when the communication data comprises terminating data.

Abstract: A personal radio service radio, such as an MURS or FRS radio, that is of a direct conversion architecture. The radio is formed of a base-band stage and a radio frequency stage. Communication data is direct-converted between the base-band and radio frequency stages, obviating the need for an intermediate frequency stage. The radio, in one implementation, forms a multi-mode radio capable alternately of operation pursuant to MURS communications and pursuant to FRS communications.

Abstract: A power converter, and an associated method, for converting input power into output power. The power converter is capable of converting direct current input power as well as alternating current input power into direct current output power available for use to power an electrical load device, such as a consumer electronic device. The power conversion is performed at improved levels of efficiency, and less input power is dissipated as thermal energy.

Abstract: Connector apparatus, and an associated method, by which to apply electrical power to a set of consumer electronic devices, such as a laptop computer and a mobile phone, or other portable device. The connector includes an input port to which a source of input power is applied, such as the electrical power provided by way of a power cable of the laptop computer, once suitably connected to a source of permanent electric power. The connector apparatus includes a set of output ports, a first port of which is connectable to the laptop computer and a second port of which is connectable to the other portable electronic device. A user of the consumer electronic devices is able thereby to power both of the devices with connection of only a single power cable to a permanent power supply source.

Abstract: Provided is a transmitter that includes a channel selector for modifying an operating frequency of a radio-controlled toy. The transmitter has a channel selection switch that enables a user to pick a channel from a set of predefined channels. The selected channel is then transferred to the toy. For example, a microcontroller unit within the transmitter may be used to detect the selected channel. The toy is placed in contact with the transmitter and the transmitter's microcontroller unit communicates the channel to a microcontroller unit inside the toy. The toy's microcontroller stores the channel in a memory in the toy. The toy then tunes to the stored frequency to receive control signals from the transmitter.